News Release

For immediate release
August 25, 2009

Environmental Penalties To Fund Local Projects
McGuinty Government Invites Groups To Apply

NEWS

Eligible groups in five areas of the province are invited to apply for funding from the new Ontario Community Environment Fund (OCEF).

The Ministry of Natural Resources, through the Ontario Stewardship program, and its 46 Community Stewardship Councils are working closely with the Ministry of the Environment to help promote the fund, identify potential projects and encourage the submission of funding applications

Money in the fund comes from environmental penalties imposed on companies that violated regulatory requirements under Ontario’s ‘You Spill, You Pay’ law. In 2008, the first year environmental penalty orders were issued, fines were paid by five facilities.

QUOTES

“Environmental penalties give the ministry a tool that can be applied swiftly to encourage quick and effective compliance with Ontario’s environmental laws. It’s only right that the funds are put to use in the community in which violations occurred.”

– John Gerretsen, Minister of the Environment

"Since 1995 Ontario Stewardship has been bringing together local landowners, resource agencies and communities to restore habitats, clean up waterways, plant trees and care for our lands and waters. This innovative program will help ensure the funds are used to benefit the environment and prevent future damage."

– Donna Cansfield, Minister of Natural Resources

QUICK FACTS

• Eligible groups in the following watersheds can now apply for a total of $68,300 in funding:
  • Goulais – $17,200; Humber/Don Rivers – $8,600; Lower Grand – $9,000; Penetangore – $24,900 and Whitefish – $8,600.
• Eligible groups are Aboriginal communities and organizations, academic institutions, conservation authorities, municipalities, incorporated non-profit organizations and incorporated community-based groups.
• Projects can include environmental remediation, research and education relating to spills and restoration and spill preparedness.

LEARN MORE

• Visit the ministry’s Ontario Community Environment Fund website for maps of the watersheds and to learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
• Visit the ministry’s environmental penalties website for information on penalties and 2008 violations.
• Learn more about the work of Ontario Stewardship.

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Contacts:	Contact information for the general public:
Kate Jordan, Communications Branch, 416-314-6666	416-325-4000 or 1-800-565-4923/ www.ontario.ca/environment

 

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